Electric vs. Traditional Toothbrush

So, you’ve been eyeing those powered toothbrushes trying to figure out if they could really give you a better clean and leave your teeth sparkling. While no at-home cleaning will ever be able to match the power of a six-month cleaning from your Wheaton, IL dentist Dr. David Carlson here are some things to consider to figure out which type of toothbrush is right for you:

Manual Toothbrush

This is the tried-and-true toothbrush you’ve probably always used. There is a reason it’s still around despite the new-fangled powered toothbrushes. Find out the benefits that come with using a traditional toothbrush:

Cost: Oral care products can really add up. Luckily, manual toothbrushes offer a nicer price point than electric toothbrushes. Plus your Wheaton, IL dentist may also give you a free one on your next visit! Which toothbrush you choose may come down to something as simple as price.

Portable: If you travel a lot you don’t want to have to deal with a bulky electric toothbrush and its charger. Instead, you can pop your manual toothbrush into your travel bag and go. It’s also easy to take with you to the office for that after-lunch cleaning.

Can be safer on your mouth: Since you can feel how much pressure you are using you can often figure out if you are applying too much to your teeth and gums, which can cause damage. Sometimes it’s more challenging to figure out if you are using too much pressure with an electric toothbrush.

Kid-friendly: While you may find that electric toothbrushes are more fun and make brushing less of a hassle, manual toothbrushes can easily and safety be used by young children once they’ve been taught how.

Electric Toothbrush

While it might seem like manual toothbrushes are the way to go you shouldn’t ignore the many benefits that powered toothbrushes can also offer. In fact, this may be a better option for many of our older patients or those who have issues with dexterity. Instead of wielding a manual toothbrush around you may find it easier to use an electric, which does a lot of the work for you. This means that those with limited mobility in their arms, hands or shoulder could find this to be a major benefit.

What it truly comes down to is your comfort level and what kind of toothbrush will help you get a clean, healthy smile every day.

Besides that clean smile you get from home make sure that you are keeping up with those routine cleanings every six months. If it’s time for your next visit contact Dr. David Carlson, DDS to schedule an appointment.